VIDEO: Positive things are happening in the Arsenal City

Watervliet Mayor Mike Manning discusses the Watervliet Reservoir, a source of revenue for the city, during his State of the City address which he delivered in the Watervliet Junior Senior High School gymnasium Friday. (Mike McMahon / The Record)

WATERVLIET -- Mayor Mike Manning delivered all positive news during his State of City address Friday, not only pointing out the various things his administration has done right, but also reminding the public that he's not about to get comfortable.

Inside the gymnasium at the Watervliet Junior Senior High School, Manning spoke about the city's financial stability, its continuing economic development projects and the efficiency with which municipal services are provided to its residents.

"This isn't just for the sake of saying 'we did it' and get the box checked," Manning said in his opening. "In this, in all of our activities, we must be constantly watching so as not to make it a routine. Falling into routine and going through the motions can cause us not to see or ignore new opportunities and solutions to issues."

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Manning said he was able to do away with a $400,000 deficit when he came into office and the city can now enjoy more than $1 million in its fund balance. The city has also not only been able to keep under the two percent tax cap, which Manning said the city had been doing well before it was mandated, but also saw its bond rating rise to an A.

"When you have organizations such as Moody's and S&P say you're doing well, we can feel okay," Manning said, adding that city officials have been able to maintain staying under the property tax cap despite the downturn in the economy.

Still, he noted the city receives the least amount of aid from the State, adding that it is difficult to continue to progress when cities are being asked to do more with less.

Manning also touched on the benefits the city realized thanks to the various grants it has received, such as the $265,000 New York State Main Street Grant, $109,272 of which was put towards the redevelopment of the School 1 building into eight high-end apartments. There was also the $105,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding which went into the transformation of the former St. Brigid's Church and School into office space for Wicked Smart LLC.

There was also the topic of the former St. Patrick's Church, which will be razed to build a new Price Chopper. Manning pointed out it was the most talked about issue, but said the city did its due diligence with various public meetings and input sought from both the public and its own engineering and legal experts.

"It was an issue we took very seriously and took our time to deliberate and listen to all parties involved," Manning said.

Residents have also been able to experience the benefits of the city's services such as its organic waste program, which has been mixing mulch with wood chips to create composting for parks and residents. Manning said it also allowed the city to reduce the amount of waste being brought to the landfill, which not only expands the life of the landfill but also decreases disposal costs for the city.

Manning said in terms of public safety, the city has been faring well, despite the absence of four police officers, three out on leave due to injuries and one who was deployed by the military.

He also said the city isn't seeing the type of violent crime experience by other municipalities surrounding it.

Overall, 2012 was a very successful year, according to Manning, but he again reminded residents that the city must be prepared for things to potentially take a turn for the worse due to an unstable national economy.

"Due to the flow down nature and the impact of the general economy, it could turn negative in a relatively short period of time," Manning said. "We remind ourselves of this constantly to not fall into a routine and to stay one step ahead."